Did you know that many artists use spirals to create beautiful and intricate designs? We’re going to explore some amazing examples of spirals in art and then dive into how you can create your own spiral masterpieces. So grab your paintbrushes and let’s get started!
What’s a spiral….
A spiral is a special shape that starts at a point and then curves around and around, getting bigger and bigger or smaller and smaller, like a coiled spring or a snail shell. Imagine drawing a curly line that starts small and then gets bigger as it goes around and around. That’s what a spiral looks like! Spirals can be found in many places in nature, like seashells, flowers, and even in the way some animals move.
Why are spirals in art important?
Spirals are important in art because they are a shape that can be found all around us in nature, from seashells to galaxies. Artists have been using spirals in their works for thousands of years because they are visually interesting and can create a sense of movement or energy in a piece.
For example, if you draw a spiral on a piece of paper, your eye will naturally follow the curve of the spiral. This can create a feeling of movement or motion in the artwork.
Spirals can also be used to create balance and harmony in a piece. By repeating the same spiral shape in different sizes or colors, an artist can create a sense of rhythm and unity in their work.
Overall, spirals are an important element in art because they are a simple but powerful shape that can add visual interest, movement, and harmony to a piece.
How artists use the spiral shape….
Sure, here are three artists whose works feature spiral shapes that kids might recognize:
- Vincent van Gogh – Van Gogh’s famous painting “Starry Night” features swirling, spiraling lines in the sky that create a sense of movement and energy in the artwork.
- Katsushika Hokusai – Hokusai’s woodblock print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” features a giant wave with a spiral shape at its center, which helps to create a sense of movement and power in the image.
- Wassily Kandinsky – Kandinsky was a pioneer of abstract art, and many of his works feature spiral shapes that he believed represented spiritual and emotional energy. Kids might recognize his painting “Several Circles,” which features a series of concentric circles and spirals.
- Andy Goldsworthy-Andy Goldsworthy is an artist who is famous for making artwork using natural materials like leaves, stones, and sticks. Goldsworthy uses spirals in his artwork to create a sense of movement, energy, and connection to the natural world.
Let’s make spiral art….
To start painting a spiral, you will need a blank canvas or piece of paper, your chosen paint colors, and a paintbrush. Begin by dipping your paintbrush into the paint and making a small dot or circle in the center of the canvas. This will be the starting point of your spiral.
Next, draw a curved line that starts from the dot or circle and gradually gets bigger or smaller as you paint around and around. Make sure to keep a steady hand and use the brush to control the thickness of the line. You can choose to make the spiral bigger or smaller by adjusting the size of the curve as you paint.
Continue painting the spiral shape until it reaches the size and shape that you want. If you want to create a more complex spiral, you can experiment with different colors, adding layers or details to create a more textured and interesting effect.
Cut out your spiral art….
- Choose a pair of scissors that are comfortable for you to hold and are sharp enough to cut through the paper or canvas.
- Hold the paper with one hand and use the other hand to hold the scissors. Start at the outer edge of the spiral and carefully cut along the line, following the shape of the spiral as you go. Make sure to cut smoothly and without any jagged edges.
- Once you reach the center of the spiral, carefully cut around the dot or circle in the middle. Be sure to leave enough space around the dot so that it doesn’t tear or rip.
- After you have finished cutting out the spiral, you can use it as a standalone piece of art or incorporate it into a larger project. For example, you could glue it onto another piece of paper or canvas to create a layered effect, or use it as a decoration on a card or gift.
